Ford's
compact Ranger truck enters 2008 with a more-aerodynamic front
bumper and few other changes. The Ranger is available with a
four-cylinder or a choice of two V-6s, with either a manual transmission
or a five-speed automatic. While its competitors — like
the Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier and Dodge Dakota — have
grown in dimensions over the years, the Ranger has remained relatively
the same size for the past decade.

A tire pressure monitoring system and a passive anti-theft system
come standard on all models. An audio input jack is standard for
all stereos except the base AM/FM receiver. Two 16-inch aluminum
wheels are available, and Sirius Satellite Radio is available on
the STX, XLT, Sport and all FX4 models. Single-disc CD audio systems
have MP3 compatibility.

Trim levels are XL, XLT, Sport and FX4 Off-Road.

The regular-cab XLT model features a 7-foot cargo box, and the
Ranger Sport can be equipped with a Tremor MP3 audio and wheel
package. Aimed at young buyers, the Ranger Sport conveys the assertive
look and ride height of a four-wheel-drive Ranger at a lower price.

Exterior
The Ranger's front bumper has been redesigned to cut through the
air more efficiently, and Ford says it improves fuel economy. New
larger fog lights improve visibility, and a Grabber orange exterior
color is available for 2008.

Rangers come in three sizes, with a choice of two cabs and bed lengths. Regular-cab
pickups are available with a 6- or 7-foot cargo bed. SuperCab (extended-cab)
versions are fitted exclusively with a 6-foot bed.

Two rear-hinged rear doors, which are optional on SuperCab models, can be opened
only after the front doors are open. XL models have black bumpers and a black
bar-style grille, while the XLT gets body-colored bumpers and a chrome grille
surround. Sport pickups have a honeycomb grille and body-colored bumpers and
grille.

Regular-cab models ride a 111.5- or 117.5-inch wheelbase and measure 189.4 or
201.4 inches long overall. SuperCab Rangers have a 125.7-inch wheelbase and are
203.6 inches long overall. An optional tubular cargo-bed extension can add 2
feet to the 6-foot bed's length.

Options include two 15- and 16-inch wheels and body-colored side moldings.

Interior
Regular-cab Rangers can seat either two or three occupants on either bucket seats
or a 60/40-split bench. SuperCab models can be equipped with a pair of rear jump
seats. Like all jump seats in compact pickups, the Ranger's rear seats are too
small to hold adults comfortably. Leather-trimmed seating surfaces and sport
bucket seats are available.

Under the Hood
Three engines are available: a 143-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder; a 148-hp,
3.0-liter V-6; and a 207-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 that delivers 238 pounds-feet of torque.
Ford's four-cylinder engine is standard in XL and two-door XLT SuperCab 4x2 models.
A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a five-speed automatic is optional.
Rear- and four-wheel-drive models are offered, and a dashboard switch can engage
four-wheel drive while the vehicle is moving. When properly equipped, the Ranger
can tow 6,000 pounds.